Daily Archives: May 6, 2019

I probably should do more when it comes to my blog, but as we all know, life often gets in the way of what we should do or can do. So I want to share with you a way I have chosen to help, and perhaps you could find a way as well.

Recently, I was brought onto the Board of Directors with an amazing charity, the Home Hospice Association – Hamilton / Halton Chapter. I hope to help with event planning and organization, local connections, social media, and anything else they feel I could help with. First though, a few people I need to thank.

Firstly, Terri Viola-Wilson, for seeing something in me that she felt would benefit others. Terri is the Executive Director for the Hamilton / Halton Chapter. Now onto a few other people; Chad Pilon for jumping on board almost immediately to help with performing at an upcoming event, Bill Watson for agreeing to make time to help arrange and setup sound at an upcoming event, and Tim Soules for coming on board to help plan for a series of events to benefit the organization. Thank you all for what you can do to help.

So what is all this about? The Home Hospice Association mission? “To deliver hospice palliative care in a non-institutionalized environment where compassion and culturally sensitive human connection are hallmarks.” Both palliative care and hospice care provide comfort. But palliative care can begin at diagnosis, and at the same time as treatment. Hospice care begins after treatment of the disease is stopped and when it is clear that the person is not going to survive the illness. 70% of Canadians want to die in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by those people and things they love. Sadly, 84% of Canadians do not have access to Hospice Palliative care for many reasons. What are you willing to do about it? What can you do about it? “Just as it takes a village to raise a child, that village is equally responsible to care for their dying. We want to be part of your village.” How is that for a statement?

HHA (Home Hospice Association) is new to Hamilton / Halton but is not completely new. They are a recognized charity. This chapter will start off with two programs, but can and I am sure will open up into others as things develop. Both these programs have meaning for me, and they the main reason I am so passionate about this organization. The first is Pre and Perinatal Hospice which will include the HOPP (Helping Our Precious Pediatrics) program. I am sure this requires no explanation, but if you want details, please click HERE. The second program is the Bello Project, which journeys with the pet along the path of their loved one’s life-limiting illness to maintain the unshakeable bond between pet and pet-owner until death occurs. So if you can’t see why I stand with HHA and behind them, you can stop reading.

What can you do to help? Financial, Compassionate, and Active. Financial support is always crucial to any charity. As non-profit, they have to have a way to cover various incurred expenses. You can donate in a variety of ways, but the one I am going to suggest first is the Moonlit Memory Walk. This will be held on September 12, 2019 at the Knights of Columbus hall on Queenston Rd across from Parkdale Park. There will be food, there will be entertainment, and most importantly their will be memories. You can register as one or as a team. You can walk for one or more of your lost loved ones. A minimum $25 fee helps the cause. Compassionate support takes an emotional commitment. Not everyone can do this, but for those that can, you are needed more than ever. Are you able to provide that comfort and support to those in need of it? Then you can help. Active is something that most of us can do, regardless of our physical or financial limitations. Do you knit or craft? Can you help circulate flyers? Can you man a table at an event? Can you make phone calls or work online?

The HHA needs volunteers in all areas. I believe we are even looking for a few new board members, but that may change. Please check out their website, and that of the walk. Just highlight the website again, Home Hospice Association.

I challenge ALL of you reading this far … GET INVOLVED. If not with this, then with something meaningful. No matter how bad we have it, somebody probably has it worse. Is there anything at all you can do that would make somebodies life better? Then why don’t you do it.